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Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on Minister of State with responsibility for mental health Kathleen Lynch to come into the Dáil next week to address the very serious concerns raised by mental health consultants in the Carlow-Kilkenny/South Tipperary area.

Deputy Ó Caoláin said:

"It is a very serious matter that nine clinicians in mental health in the Carlow-Kilkenny/South Tipperary area have withdrawn their confidence in the HSE management of the service. They have cited nine suicides in this area over a period of just 17 months, as revealed in an investigation aired today (Sunday) on RTÉ's 'This Week'.

“The HSE and Minister of State with responsibility for mental health, Kathleen Lynch, need to account publicly for the fact that these clinicians feel that their concerns have not been taken seriously, despite being raised repeatedly.

“Minister of State Lynch should come into the Dáil this week to explain how this situation has arisen and what she is going to do about it.”